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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
Really really good. I think this book captures many meaningful aspects of being an adult (obviously I am an expert on being an adult). The characters all make questionable decisions, and much of the plot centers on aging parents and changing family dynamics. It's not totally a downer though, there's a lot of absurdity and humor amidst the bleak stuff.
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Long long sprawling book. I prefer his nonfiction, but this book is still gripping.
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
funny
sad
slow-paced
4.5/10
This is my second Franzen and so far I haven't really liked either.
This is my second Franzen and so far I haven't really liked either.
Literati Book Club December Book: The writing alone deserves 5 Stars, but when combined with rhetoric on the poor choices of any of the 5 Lambert's, it loses its flavor. I am not a fan of literary fiction. It is annoying, all of this passive action and no urgency! I wanted some plot. I know everything there is to know about these characters, and now I accept them, flaws and all, but I was disappointed by the culmination of "the last Christmas" scene. It really fell flat. No explosive dialogue or action (Gary's little chat at breakfast was not as eye-opening as the scene intended/demanded). Ultimately forgettable, like [b:Freedom|7905092|Freedom|Jonathan Franzen|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1316729686s/7905092.jpg|9585796].
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes